Explanatory Notes on Key Topics in the Regulation of Water and Sanitation Services (Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Board Discussion Paper Series No.6, June 2006)

Considerable confusion has arisen about what regulation means in the context of water supply and sanitation (WSS) services. In particular, there are questions about the application of the “independent regulator” model to WSS in the developing world. What types of problems can it can address effectively What is its relevance, especially as provision and oversight of these services are often the responsibility of subnational governments with limited resources
       
The Explanatory Notes on Key Topics in the Regulation of Water and Sanitation Services provide a consistent set of principles and practices that respond to these questions. Such information will be of interest to service providers, policy makers, and development practitioners interested in improving the performance of WSS services in urban areas.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Note 1 – Defining Economic Regulation for Water Supply Services

Note 2 – Designing Economic Regulation for Water Supply Services: A Framework

Note 3 – Choosing Organizations and Instruments for Economic Regulation of water Supply Services

Note 4 – Regulation and Private Participation Contracts

Note 5 – Cost of Service and Tariffs for water Utilities

Note 6 – Regulating Government-Owned Water Utilities

Note 7 – Regulating Wastewater Services in Developing Countries